Next week brings to a close six weeks of summer recess, when Parliament does not meet. I always think it’s important to use the opportunities I have to spend time with my family, I love my job but it’s great to read more bedtime stories and play outside with my kids. But the recess is not a holiday for most MPs, it’s a chance to do a different part of my role.

It’s also been great to spend more time in the communities that elected me. When Parliament is sitting I’m in London from Monday to Thursday to represent you and vote, so I only have Fridays and weekends at home. There are more brilliant people and organisations in Calder Valley than I could ever fit into one day a week, so it’s been a privilege to get out and talk to more of you.

Over summer you may have seen my water safety campaign, which began following the tragic loss of a 13-year-old boy in a local reservoir. We now have a new water safety partnership in Calderdale focused on three main areas to help save lives. We need more education in schools about the risks of open water and what to do if something goes wrong. This summer we held three days of action across Calderdale to teach lifesaving skills to young people and the public. We also need everyone to be strong, competent swimmers. And finally, we need lifesaving equipment at the waterside with clear instructions on how to use it. Thanks to the emergency services, mountain rescue and other partners who are working with me to bring change.

I’ve met with local businesses about issues ranging from steel tariffs, supporting hospitality businesses and ensuring smaller companies can be part of the defence supply chain. This week I’m meeting with a massive Calder Valley success story, Suma Wholefoods in Elland. They are one of the UK's largest worker-owned co-operatives and an equal pay employer, with a long-standing commitment to ethical trading and sustainability.

I’ve also met with many public sector organisations, including the SEND Local Area Partnership, which brings together organisations including the council and NHS to improve services for children and young people who need extra support in school.

Some of the most memorable visits have been to organisations working at the frontline with people whose lives are difficult for different reasons. I was privileged to hear from clients of Project Colt, a superb charity helping people dealing with addiction, and to celebrate with them as they reached a fundraising milestone to buy their base at Bridgefield Mills in Elland. I visited Noah’s Ark, who support people across Calderdale with everything from money management to counselling. And I held two surgeries on antisocial behaviour in Todmorden and Elland alongside the police and Together Housing.

Finally, this summer I knocked on doors across Calder Valley as often as humanly possible. Thanks to everyone who took the time to speak to me. There is nothing

more grounding and useful than hearing from residents about what they need from our Government.

Next week I’ll be back in Westminster with every conversation ringing in my ears. Politics doesn’t happen in a vacuum and democracy isn’t something that happens every five years. To represent you well, I need to know about the issues you face. I’m grateful to everyone who spoke to me and, if we didn’t catch up this time, please get in touch. Whether you’re an individual, organisation or business in Calder Valley, your part of the community I love and I want to help.